Lesson 55 Support Your Local Congregation
[Image:] Brothers and sisters assisting with the exterior maintenance of their Kingdom Hall.
[Press play to hear the MP3 of the Lesson]
Around the world, millions of people joyfully worship Jehovah in thousands of congregations. They are grateful for the instruction and guidance they receive, and they eagerly support the congregation in many ways. Is that how you feel about your congregation?
1. What are some ways you can use your time and energy to support the congregation?
All of us can lend a hand in the congregation. For example, are some in your congregation elderly or infirm? Can you help them travel to meetings? Or can you help them with other practical matters, such as shopping or housework? (Read James 1:27)
[Read scripture] James 1:27: The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world. [End of Read scripture]
We can also volunteer to help clean and maintain our Kingdom Hall. No one forces us to do these things. Love for God and our brothers moves us to “offer [ourselves] willingly.” (Psalm 110:3)
[Quotation] Psalm 110:3 Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day of your military force. In splendid holiness, from the womb of the dawn, You have your company of young men just like dewdrops. [End Quotation]
Baptized Witnesses can support the congregation in additional ways. Spiritually qualified brothers can serve as ministerial servants and, in time, as elders. Both brothers and sisters may actively support the preaching work by serving as pioneers. Some Witnesses can assist by helping to build places of worship or by moving to an area where a congregation needs help in other ways.
2. How can we use our material resources to support the congregation?
We can “honor Jehovah with [our] valuable things.” (Proverbs 3:9)
[Quotation] Proverbs 3:9 Honor Jehovah with your valuable things, With the firstfruits of all your produce; [End Quotation]
We count it a privilege to contribute money and other resources to support the local congregation and the worldwide preaching work. (Read 2 Corinthians 9:7)
[Read scripture] 2 Corinthians 9:7: Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [End of Read scripture]
Our donations also support disaster relief. Many choose to “set something aside” regularly as a donation. (Read 1 Corinthians 16:2)
[Read scripture] 1 Corinthians 16:2: On the first day of every week, each of you should set something aside according to his own means, so that collections will not take place when I arrive. [End of Read scripture]
We can donate using contribution boxes at our places of worship or online at donate.jw.org. Jehovah gives us the opportunity to show our love for him by the way we choose to use our material things.
Dig Deeper
Consider some of the ways that you can support the congregation.
3. We can use our material things
Jehovah loves a cheerful giver, and Jesus feels the same way. For example, Jesus took note of a poor widow and her effort to make a contribution. Read Luke 21:1 through 4, and then discuss the questions that follow:
[Read scripture] Luke 21:1 through 4: Now as he looked up, he saw the rich dropping their gifts into the treasury chests. Then he saw a needy widow drop in two small coins of very little value, and he said: “Truly I say to you that this poor widow put in more than they all did. For all of these put in gifts out of their surplus, but she, out of her want, put in all the means of living she had.” [End of Read scripture]
Do we need to make large donations to please Jehovah?
How do Jehovah and Jesus feel about our heartfelt donations?
To learn how our donations are used, play the video ‘A Gift in Hand to Jehovah’ (4:47). Then discuss the question that follows.
[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]
[Click for Transcript]|[A Gift in Hand to Jehovah]
[Throughout this video is an animation of coins travelling through a tube to fund many worldwide projects. An elderly Israelite woman carefully counts coins in her hand before dropping them in the treasury chest]
Presenter: In ancient times, when an Israelite made a heartfelt offering to support the temple, that offering was referred to as ‘a gift in hand to Jehovah.’
[With a broad smile, she raises her head. Now at a Kingdom Hall]
Today, in Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world, there are small boxes marked for voluntary contributions. When we give our valuable things, where does it actually go?
[A little girl drops in a coin]
Each year, hundreds of thousands become our new brothers and sisters.
[Coins travel]
To accommodate our growing numbers, funds are provided to help construct new places of worship, as well as branch facilities all over the world.
[Friends in front of new construction]
Sister 1: One thing that I really appreciate about being here is to see family heads, fathers and husbands, choose to use their vacation time. So, thank you to the families and the congregations that support all of this and us to be here.
Brother 1: But what’s just as impressive is seeing millions of brothers and sisters voluntarily give of their funds so that we can keep building. Just that in itself is an amazing act of Jehovah’s holy spirit.
[A sky view of large construction project by a lake]
Presenter: Large doors leading to greater activity are being opened
[coins roll]
by means of theocratic schools.
[S.K.E students]
Training is provided to help those enrolled to develop spiritually and take a zealous lead in the evangelizing work.
[Take notes in classroom]
Brother 2: When you think of the organization and the education, the divine education that it provides, there is no government on earth today that educates its citizens like the Kingdom.
Sister 2: It has strengthened my relationship with Jehovah in ways I never considered before. The training is wonderful; it motivates spiritual growth.
[Coins fall through tube]
Presenter: Voluntary contributions help support the thousands of special full-time servants worldwide.
[Brother works in printery]
These include Bethelites.
[Boxing Bibles]
Brother 3: While working in the printery, it’s abundantly clear that none of this could happen without Jehovah’s support, shown by what the friends can give. I love my assignment and serve with the knowledge that my sacrifice wouldn’t be possible without the sacrifice of brothers and sisters in the field.
[Coins pass the printery]
Presenter: Also included are missionaries, traveling overseers, international servants, and special pioneers.
[A couple in a metropolitan area stand at a public witnessing table]
Sister 3: All the support makes it possible and makes our assignment a great joy and a privilege, something that we look forward to each and every week, each and every month, each and every year that we’re able to devote our full-time efforts in preaching the good news of the Kingdom.
Sister 4: It allows us to be here so that we can help as many people as possible who do want to learn about Jehovah.
[Coins bounce through tube]
Presenter: Every year, we look forward to receiving rich spiritual gems at our conventions. Funds are provided for equipment and other needs to help everything run as smoothly as possible.
[Brothers arrange a large screen for a convention]
Brother 4: It was a delight this year to see how technology was used to promote the unity Having the different cities involved where video streaming to them for the key talks by Governing Body members and their helpers received tremendous response from those cities. We’ve seen more people in their seats during the program because they were afraid to get up even for a moment cause they might miss something that was special.
[An outdoor stadium filled with attendees]
Presenter: When disaster strikes, your donations help give immediate relief for our brothers and sisters in need.
[Coins roll]
Food, clothing, building materials, and much more are shipped over as quickly as possible.
[Food Distribution]
Brother 5: I have come to really appreciate Jehovah’s organization. No other organization can compare in how it provides support in such a loving way.
Sister 5: I know now that Jehovah does look after his people. So, I’m really grateful for that, and I’ve been praying and giving thanks.
[Friends clean in protective suits]
Presenter: Yes, all our contributions have a meaningful share in supporting Kingdom interests worldwide.
[Coins from tube fall around the earth]
Each donation is like ‘a gift in hand to our heavenly Father Jehovah.’
[The little girl smiles]
When we give from our heart, we are expressing our love for him, and that is the best gift we can give him.
[A cartoon depiction of a Kingdom Hall, the earth, and then rays of light from heaven]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2015 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How are donations used to benefit congregations around the world?
[Image:] An elderly sister putting her donation into a contribution box.
4. We can volunteer our help
In Bible times, worshippers of Jehovah zealously worked to maintain their places of worship. But this involved more than just contributing money. Read 2 Chronicles 34:9 through 11, and then discuss the questions that follow:
[Read scripture] 2 Chronicles 34:9 through 11: They came to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought to the house of God, which the Levites serving as doorkeepers had collected from Manasseh, Ephraim, and all the rest of Israel, as well as from Judah, Benjamin, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Then they gave it to those who were appointed over the work in the house of Jehovah. In turn the workers in the house of Jehovah used it to mend and repair the house. They gave it to the craftsmen and the builders to buy hewn stones and timbers for braces and to build with beams the houses that the kings of Judah had allowed to fall into ruin. [End of Read scripture]
How did every Israelite help take care of Jehovah’s house, or place of worship?
To see how Jehovah’s Witnesses follow that ancient example, play the video Caring for Our Places of Worship (3:31). Then discuss the questions that follow.
[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]
[Click for Transcript]|[Caring For Our Places of Worship]
[Paintings of Abraham and Isaac, Israelites returning to Jerusalem, and in a first century house a scroll is being read to Christians]
Presenter: “From ancient times, Jehovah’s people have had established places of worship. That pattern has continued down to our time. Today, we meet in Kingdom Halls around the world.
[Brothers and sisters shown entering modern Kingdom Halls]
It’s here that we receive spiritual refreshment and direction through Jehovah’s organization.
[Asian friends bow their heads to greet]
And it’s here that we enjoy encouraging association with our brothers and sisters.
[Singing at a meeting]
But our Kingdom Halls do something else. They are centres for pure worship in the local communities.
Brother 1: “In Indonesia, where I live, our congregation invited local government officials and neighbors to an open house of our Kingdom Hall prior to the dedication.
[Men shake hands]
The mayor attended, and he was impressed by the quality of the building, its functionality, and its beautiful garden.
[Lush stromanthes and white orchids]
He said, “The cleanliness of this hall reflects your true faith.” That comment made us feel so proud to be serving our God, Jehovah.”
Presenter: “Experiences like these remind us never to take our places of worship for granted. So how can we personally show Jehovah our gratitude for our Kingdom Halls?
[Text: “For God is a God not of disorder but of peace” – 1 Corinthians 14:33]
When our Kingdom Halls are kept clean and tidy, it reflects the qualities and personality of the God we worship, a God of order.
[Sweep and vacuum]
Regular cleaning also helps protect the health of all those attending.
[Brother scrub toilets]
Additionally, regular maintenance helps prolong the existence of the building itself.
[Installing roof shingles with a nail gun]
While congregations are primarily responsible for maintenance, LDC representatives can assist where needed and train others to care for inspections and repairs safely.
[Unsafe, standing on a chair]
Remember, one should never do any risky work at the Kingdom Hall alone.
[Then steps down]
And always follow safety instructions.
[They replace the chair with a ladder. Protective gear is worn while using a grinder]
When problems are identified early, they can be corrected with less time and money.
[A sister with a clip board marks safety notes]
We honor Jehovah when we use donated resources wisely, much as we do when making donations in the first place.
[Many make donations]
In Bible times, when funds were needed to renovate the house of Jehovah, many happily responded. Whether they had little or much, they donated generously. Our Kingdom Halls are more than just buildings; they are places of worship dedicated to Jehovah.
[Young and old participate in cleaning and worshiping at their Kingdom Halls]
And by caring for them in the best way we can, we show love for our brothers,
[Warm hugs]
new ones, and most of all, Jehovah, the one who lovingly provides his people with beautiful places of worship.
[Text: “Jehovah is my portion…Pleasant places have been measured out to me.” Psalm 16:5, 6]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2017 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
Why is it important to keep our Kingdom Hall clean and in good repair?
What are some ways that you can help?
[Image:] A scene from the video Caring for Our Places of Worship. Men, women, and children clean the inside of their Kingdom Hall. [Image:] A group of Witness volunteers assisting with the construction of a Kingdom Hall.
5. Brothers can reach out for more responsibility
The Scriptures encourage Christian men to reach out to do all they can to support the congregation. To see an example, play the video Brothers, Reach Out for a Fine Work (5:19). Then answer the question that follows.
[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]
[Click for Transcript]|[Brothers Reach Out for a Fine Work]
[A young man wearing athletic clothing and tennis shoes jogs down a lonely country road.
Ryan: Arriving home with a towel draped around his neck, he removes his earphones. Now in the kitchen, he grabs a bottle from the refrigerator and takes a drink]
They say that a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. And I take good care of mine, not a day without exercising.
[At a table he reads the daily text]
And I do my best to stick to a spiritual routine too.
[On the clock 8:35]
Oh, no, the meeting for field service! I’ve got to get going.
[Wide-eyed, he looks at the clock]
By the way, my name is Ryan.
[Tossing the towel on the chair as he quickly exits, now in the ministry]
I’m glad I could work with Andrew this morning. He’s always so well-prepared for the ministry. You see, I’m not so good at starting conversations with people I don’t know. And then it’s great to have Andrew on your team. He’s really good at that.
[Witnessing to a man at a door]
And once we’re done here, I’m off into the woods for a long hike. It’s, like, the only place I can recharge my batteries.
[They stand by their bikes talking]
Andrew suggests that we first do some of my return visits.
[Ryan flips through a mostly blank notepad]
Well, I’m afraid I don’t have any —sorry, Andrew, maybe next weekend.
[Now he rides off on his bike. Later, seated in the hall, he drops his raised hand in his head]
I like our meetings, but I wish I’d prepared better.
[His brow furrows]
Now the study is over, and again I couldn’t comment.
[Quickly glancing at his watch]
Man, I need to be at the cinema in ten minutes.
[Edgar stops him, and they shake hands]
Oh, yeah! Thanks, Edgar! My field service report. My group overseer always has to remind me.
[Ryan goes through the counter and fills out his service report]
How come I always forget?
[Later, Andrew and Ryan are playing tennis. After playing they sit courtside and talk]
Andrew and I are good friends. To be honest, he seems to be the only friend I’ve got in our congregation.
[Andrew speaks in ardently gestures]
Last week, he was appointed as a ministerial servant. I’m not surprised at all. He is a great example, especially for me.
[Ryan intently listens]
I wonder why I haven’t qualified to be a ministerial servant.
[Andrew looks at his watch, hurriedly gets up, shakes Ryan’s hand and leaves]
Wow, Andrew is always busy for the congregation, helping the friends, taking care of our older brothers and sisters. He really cares for them. How come I never think of that?
[Reflectively, he stares ahead]
That evening Edgar and Martin, the assistant group overseer, came over. They’ve noticed how hard I train to stay in good shape physically. But am I working as hard to be in good shape spiritually? Martin reminded me of 1 Timothy 3:1. “This statement is trustworthy: “If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, he is desirous of a fine work.” This principle applies to me, since an overseer qualifies first as a ministerial servant. The brothers asked me, “How is the apostle Paul an example to someone who’s ‘desirous of a fine work’?”
[Gazing up, he imagines Paul]
Paul strengthened the friends by giving encouraging talks. He showed personal interest for the elderly, for the fatherless boys,
[Paul kindly interacts with the brothers]
and had a good share in the ministry.
[Paul reads a scroll to two men. Now in the present day]
The brothers were right. Having a good share in the ministry gives so much happiness!
[At a door preaching]
Edgar commended me for how I handled that last return visit. Who knows, maybe I will conduct a Bible study soon!
[Now at a cookout he places a sliced watermelon on the table]
I didn’t realize that we had so many nice friends in our congregation! Perhaps I just didn’t give them a chance in the past.
[Friends joyfully mingle]
I guess I had a spiritual routine before, but I was too distracted by what I wanted to do.
[At the hall]
But there is so much I can do for others.
[Conversing with an elderly sister]
With better preparation, I feel more comfortable giving comments. And I was able to stand-in for a part during the midweek meeting.
[On stage]
Martin gave me some great advice afterwards.
[Scrubbing a toilet]
The apostle Paul worked hard, gave to others, and reached out. Following his example gives me so much joy in life.
[A smiling elderly brother waves at Ryan arriving on his bike with groceries]
Now I realize what it really means to reach out. It’s all about being a spiritual man!
[Sitting with the brother outside at a table, Ryan reads to him from the Bible, and they joyfully converse]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2015 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
[Image:] A young brother pushing the wheelchair of an elderly brother as they preach from house to house.
In the video, how did Ryan reach out to support the congregation more fully?
The Bible explains what the qualifications are for brothers who serve as ministerial servants and elders. Read 1 Timothy 3:1 through 13, and then discuss the questions that follow:
[Read scripture] 1 Timothy 3:1 through 13: 1 This statement is trustworthy: If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, he is desirous of a fine work. 2 The overseer should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent, but reasonable, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, 4 a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having his children in subjection with all seriousness 5 (for if any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he care for the congregation of God?), 6 not a newly converted man, for fear that he might get puffed up with pride and fall into the judgment passed on the Devil. 7 Moreover, he should also have a fine testimony from outsiders so that he does not fall into reproach and a snare of the Devil. 8 Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, 9 holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience. 10 Also, let these be tested as to fitness first; then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation. 11 Women should likewise be serious, not slanderous, moderate in habits, faithful in all things. 12 Let ministerial servants be husbands of one wife, presiding in a fine manner over their children and their own households. 13 For the men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great freeness of speech in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. [End of Read scripture]
What is expected of brothers who reach out to serve as ministerial servants and elders?
What is expected of their families? See verses 4 and 11 (1 Timothy 3:4, 11)
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 3:4 a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having his children in subjection with all seriousness [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 3:11 Women should likewise be serious, not slanderous, moderate in habits, faithful in all things. [End Quotation]
When brothers strive to meet these qualifications, how does everyone in the congregation benefit?
[Box]
Someone May Ask: “How do Jehovah’s Witnesses fund their work?”How would you answer? [End of box]
Summary
Jehovah greatly appreciates our efforts to support the congregation with our time, energy, and material things
Review
How can we use our time and energy to support the congregation?
How can we use our material things to support the congregation?
In what ways would you like to support the congregation?
Goal
Volunteer to help clean and maintain the place where the local congregation gathers for meetings. Set Other Goals
Explore
Consider why God no longer requires his worshippers to tithe. “What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?” (Web article)
[Click for article]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]
The Bible assigns some roles to baptized men. But what if a baptized woman needs to care for these roles? “Understanding Headship in the Congregation” (The Watchtower, February 2021)
[Click for article]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]
Meet some courageous Witnesses who make great sacrifices to transport publications to their fellow worshippers. Distributing Bible Literature in Congo (4:25)
[Click for transcript]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]
Find out how our work is financed very differently from that of other religious organizations. “How Is the Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses Financed?” (Web article)
[Click for article]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]